Battle of the Winwaed

BelligerentsNorthumbrian Kingdom of BerniciaKingdom of Mercia
Kingdom of East AngliaCommanders and leaders King Oswiu of Bernicia King Penda of Mercia†
King Æthelhere†Strength 800 Bernician forces 1,400 Mercian forces
800 East Anglian forcesCasualties and losses 500 killed 450 killed in battle, 500 drowned

The Battle of the Winwaed was fought on 15 November 655 between King Penda of Mercia and Oswiu of Bernicia, ending in the Mercians' defeat and Penda's death. According to Bede, the battle marked the effective demise of Anglo-Saxon paganism.